Pro-Quality Digital SLRs

The best imaging products of 2009 were voted on at the Technical Image Press Association (TIPA) General Assembly held from April 2-4, 2009 in Budapest. The editors of the 25 member photo magazines from 10 European countries met to discuss the association’s new strategies and projects as well as vote for the best imaging products launched by the industry in the last 12 months.

We are proud to announce that “Shutterbug” has been chosen as a member of this prestigious organization and will be involved with the organization as the US representative in the coming years. Following are the winners of the TIPA Awards for 2009 and the comments from the organization members.—Editor

Best D-SLR Entry Level:
Olympus E-620

This lightweight Four Thirds D-SLR camera features enough technologies to satisfy all novice photographers. Beyond the ISO 3200 sensitivity of its Live MOS 12.3-megapixel sensor, we welcome its autofocus system with seven points, several artistic filters, and the swiveling display which allows the use of Live View from all angles.

Best D-SLR Advanced:
Nikon D90

In its compact body the Nikon D90 offers a true concentrate of technology with a great innovation for a D-SLR: the possibility of making HD videos. Its CMOS sensor offers the definition and quality of the successful D300 for a much lower price. A truly sturdy and all-terrain D-SLR.

Best D-SLR Expert:
Canon EOS 5D Mark II

Replacing the very popular EOS 5D, the Mark II multiplies its pixels to reach a definition of 21.1 megapixels, allowing shooting at an expanded sensitivity from ISO 50 up to 25,600. It comes with a full HD Video mode driven by a DIGIC IV processor. Fast, reliable, and discreet, this “expert” D-SLR challenges in quality the best pro models.

Best D-SLR Professional:
Nikon D3X

Designed on the D3, the Nikon D3X with a 24.4-megapixel 24x36mm sensor is dedicated to truly skilled pro photographers. Beautifully built, with a super 100 percent viewfinder and a reassuring grip, the D3X combines very high resolution and sensitivity. A first great feature for high-end photography.

Best Medium Format D-System:
Hasselblad H3DII-50

Hasselblad’s H3DII-50 is the first camera to feature Kodak’s 50-megapixel sensor, measuring 36x48mm and twice the physical size of the largest 35mm D-SLR sensors. The H3DII-50 provides full 48mm coverage and has been designed to provide an ideal solution for any photographer who demands both creative flexibility and ultimate image quality and resolution.

Best Expert Compact D-Camera:
Canon PowerShot G10

With its new 28-140mm zoom (equivalent) and 14.7-megapixel CCD sensor, the Canon PowerShot G10 offers a solid alternative to bridge and D-SLR cameras. The G10 lets the user choose the mode of exposure (P, Tv, Av, M) and saves images in raw format. It is very well built, and its grip ensures good stability.

Best Compact D-Camera:
Fujifilm FinePix F200EXR

The Fujifilm FinePix F200EXR utilizes groundbreaking technology to create an unprecedented level of image quality from a consumer-level compact. In EXR mode, the photographer can choose which sensor setting is preferable for the subject to be photographed by choosing High Resolution Priority (HR) to maximize resolution, High ISO and Low Noise Priority (SN) for high quality low-light work, or D-Range Priority (DR) for the best detail with high-contrast subjects.

Best Superzoom D-Camera:
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1 with its 20x zoom lens f/2.8 can take 224? panoramic shots in one easy press-and-sweep motion. It is also the company’s first compact camera to use the Exmor CMOS sensor technology. This technology allows it to achieve burst speeds of 10 frames per second at full 9.1-megapixel resolution in Continuous Burst mode. It can also record movies in 1080p HD.

Best Rugged D-Camera:
Olympus μ TOUGH-8000

The Olympus TOUGH-8000 is perfect for those who want to push things to their limits. It’s waterproof to 10m, shockproof to falls from up to 2m, freezeproof down to temperatures as low as -10?C, and crushproof to weights of up to 100 kg. Being tough doesn’t mean that the camera doesn’t have advanced photographic options however. The camera incorporates the latest technology with features such as face detection and Shadow Adjustment Technology.

Best Prestige Camera:
Leica M8.2

The Leica M8.2 digital rangefinder camera is a significant development of the M8 predecessor. The new Snapshot mode “S” is intended for use in reportage conditions, controlling the key features automatically, such as exposure, ISO speed setting, and white balance. The noise and vibration of the shutter action have been reduced, improving the “M Feeling” of this prestigious professional camera classic.

Best Entry-Level Lens:
Sigma 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM

The 13.8x zoom Sigma 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM integrates the exclusive Optical Stabilization system. Four Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass elements and three aspherical elements ensure very high quality. A minimum focus distance of 45cm at all focal lengths proved a very appreciated solution.

Best Expert Lens:
Sony 70-400mm f/4-5.6 G SSM

With 18 elements into 12 groups and a total weight of 1.5 kg, this Sony zoom lens deserves the “expert” definition. In a beautiful silver finish and in a solid construction, it features an excellent optical quality at f/4. Low distortion, invisible vignetting, and a negligible chromatic aberration complete the portrait of this high quality telephoto lens.

Best Professional Lens:
Canon TS-E 17mm f/4L

The Canon TS-E 17mm f/4L has the widest view angle of any tilt and shift lens currently available for 35mm SLR cameras; due to this it is the professional choice for architectural or landscape photography. The direction of the tilt and shift is independently of each other by mechanical rotation. The TS-E 17mm f/4L includes Canon’s Sub-Wavelength structure Coating (SWC), minimizing ghosting and flare caused by internal reflections.

Best Expert Photo Printer:
Canon PIXMA Pro9500 Mark II

The Canon PIXMA Pro9500 Mark II uses a 10-color pigment-based single ink system, including matte black and photo black. This allows photographers to print on gloss and matte media with exceptional color accuracy and gamut, without the need for swapping ink tanks. The addition of 16 bits per channel print capability offers exceptionally smooth tonal gradations in both color and monochrome prints.

Best Multifunction Photo Printer:
Epson Stylus Photo PX800FW